Majority of the COS Reader Panel respondents (67.7 per cent) said young workers comprise between zero to 15 per cent of their company’s workforce. Overall in Canada, about 15 per cent of the working population are young workers aged 15 to 25 years old.

What percentage of your company’s workforce are young workers (aged 15-24 years old)?

to 15 per cent 67.7%
16 to 30 per cent 9.7%
31 to 45 per cent 9.7%
46 to 60 per cent 6.5%
61 to 75 per cent 6.5%
76 to 100 per cent 0%

COS asked the Reader Panel respondents whether they had safety programs specifically designed for younger workers, 74 per cent said they don’t. Close to 20 per cent, however, said they do have training geared towards the younger workforce.

“We have comprehensive training for all new employees (and refresher for existing). We address safety issues/trends pertaining to new, young, experienced and old,” says one respondent.

Do you have a safety training program specific to young workers?

Yes 19.4%
No 74.2%
I don’t know 0.0%
We don’t have young workers so there's no need for special training program 6.5%

Over 44 per cent of the respondents gave their company an average mark – a three based on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest – when it comes to having a comprehensive training and safety program that addresses the issue of young worker safety. Close to 30 per cent gave their company a grade of four out of five.

Equal opportunity is how one respondent described their safety program. “We treat all workers, regardless of age, the same. We promote the requirement to ask questions if they don’t know, we supervise all new workers regardless of age until we reasonably know that they are competent to perform their tasks, and we never ever put a worker into a task without first ensuring that they clearly know and understand the hazards, rules, and expectations. We treat everybody like family, despite the fact that we have over 5,000 employees in our region.”

(Answer only if it applies to you) On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest, how would you rate the effectiveness of your organization's training and other safety programs in promoting the safety of young workers at your workplace?

1 7.4%
2 7.4%
3 44.4%
4 25.9%
5 14.8%

Survey respondents also believe young workers should also take responsibility for their own safety on the job. In observing their workplaces, respondents noted that safety does not seem to be top-of-mind for many young workers entering a new job.

More often, the company would have to instill that consciousness through training and by talking to young workers about safety.

The respondents also find that only a few young workers are exhibiting awareness and are expressing concern about their safety on the job.

“Most young people have the philosophy that, ‘It's not going to happen to me,’ they will challenge rules and can be stubborn to follow rules or listen to direction. In my opinion, it's about attitude and acceptance of responsibility,” comments one respondent.

Another one said, “I think it is more a lack of hazard awareness and consequences, rather than a lack of concern for safety. A lack of life and work experience can put them at risk because they often don't recognize many potential hazards around them.”


Young workers are often encouraged to ask questions about safety risks on the job and to know their legal rights when it comes to their safety. Based on your experience, describe the level of awareness of young workers when it comes to their safety at work.

Most young workers coming into the workplace these days are generally more safety conscious and more vocal about their concerns. 22.6%
Only some of the younger workers coming into the job are conscious and expressing themselves about safety on the job. 29.0%
Despite the awareness campaigns about young worker safety, I find that young workers are simply afraid to ask questions about their safety for fear of negative repercussions. 16.1%
Safety is not something young workers are really concerned about when they start a job. We still have to instill that consciousness in them through training and by talking to them about it. 29.0%
Unfortunately, it often takes getting hurt on the job before they actually start thinking about their safety. 3.2%

More than half of our survey respondents believe safeguarding young workers is an equal responsibility shared by everyone involved: young workers themselves, employers, safety managers, supervisors, the government and workers’ parents.

In your opinion, who bears the biggest responsibility when it comes to protecting young workers?

The employers 19.4%
The supervisors 25.8%
The safety managers 0.0%
The young workers themselves 3.2%
The government 0.0%
The parents 0.0%
All share equal responsibility to keep young workers safe 51.6%

When asked what they thought is the best tool to reduce or eliminate injury among young workers, 83 per cent said consistent dialogue is the best way to promote safety on the job.

The high number of workplace injuries or death involving young workers is staggering. What, in your opinion, is the most effective way to significantly bring down this number? (Please check all that apply)

More investments on training young workers 51.6%
Consistent dialogue with young workers 83.9%
Campaign posters, advertising campaigns 16.1%
Reaching out to schools 61.3%
Reaching out to parents 25.8%
Close supervision at work 80.6%
Stricter rules and higher penalties 12.9%
Legislation specific to protecting young workers 32.3%

More comments:

“Talk to workers, tell them their rights, let them know that someone cares about them, pair them with a worker who is patient and consistent in their safe approach to work.”

“Close monitoring has been essential, regular and consistent safety meetings as well as toolbox meetings. Leading by example with safety manual procedures and ensuring company rules are followed at all times by everyone. Performance acknowledgement, recognition and praise. Making myself available at all times to address any concerns raised and taking action.”

“Pairing up younger workers with a more experienced partner who can show a younger person how to apply work methods or proper use of tools/equipment and personal protective equipment to work in a safe environment.”
“New or young workers are well supervised until we are satisfied that they are aware and compliant to the safety rules. They are encouraged to think safety first.”

“Added emphasis and dialogue on workers’ safety rights - during orientation frequent dialogue with young workers on the job create a culture of openness and transparency.”